Fuller was an enthusiastic teacher, and was assistant admissions dean for many years.

Other universities will watch closely to see what effect Harvard's decision has on intense competition for students, admissions deans said.

Several admissions deans said they found the researchers' analysis interesting, but they expressed skepticism.

And several admissions deans said that no recommendation from a paid counselor could have any weight in the admissions process.

"You can't quote me on this, but we'd like to abolish it," said the admissions dean at an Ivy League college.

The Boston Globe called her "the most celebrated and outspoken admissions dean in America."

Marketing and honing an image have become commonplace among university presidents and admissions deans these days.

"Folks look for a place that's comfortable," said Richard Shaw, Stanford's admissions dean.

Many admissions deans and college counselors said that although they expected to see more blatant examples of double depositing, it was time to end the practice.

That was the mission of John Blackburn, Virginia's easy-going admissions dean, when he rented a car and took to the road recently.